Fire-extinguishing apparatus



C. H. MEIGS.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 6. 1918.

1,319,101. Patented 00. 21,1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

UNITED STATES vljigrarrr OFFICE.

CHARLES H. MEIGS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ABSIGNOR, LY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO FOAMITEFIREFOAM COMPANY, 01!" NEW YORK, N. Y., A.

CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

FIBE-EXTIHGUISHING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 21, 1919.

Application filed April 6, 1918. Serial R0. 827,080.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that (Julianna- H. M12105, a citizen of the United statem residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Fire-Extinguishing Apparatus, of which the followin ids a specification.

his invention relates to improvements in fire-extinguishing apparatus operative under foam-extinguishing principles, and pertai'ns more particularly to apparatus axle ted for use as a part of the equipment or ships, etc.

Fire-extinguishing under foam-extinguishing principles generally involves bringing together two component solution charges which, when the solution of the charges are brought into contact or column:- ing relation, generate a foam which is noxious to fire, the delivery of a sufficient quantity causing'formation of what ma be considered as an aqueous blanket which 0 erates to rapidly extinguish the fire. he two component solutions are inactive as long as they are kept separate, but as soon as they are brought into contact or more or less commixed, the chemical reactions immediately begin and thus generate the foam in the form of bubbles which have a limited life, after which they deteriorate, the solutions then becoming of less value. Obviously, the length of life of the blanket is dependent upon the character of the component solutions, the ability to deliver the foam formation to the point of application in immediate succession to the foam production, and the reduction in liability of damageto the foam in traveling to the point of application.

The two component solutions are of the acid and soda type, one or both carrying an ingredient which is adapted to provide the foam formation, a preferred form of such nent being that known commercially as t e Foamite solutions.

In utilizing apparatus operating under these principles on ship board, and especiall on smaller vessels such, for instance, as tug oats, torpedo boats. submarine chasers, etc., several problems must be solved. For instance, the question of space occupied by the apparatus is of importance, owing to the naturally crowded conditions aboard ship, and since the apparatus should be located at-a point where it is readily accessible and can be utilized over an extended area, the question of size and character of the apparatus becomes of material importance.

' Another factor is the pitching and tossing of the vessel itself, tending to set up a splashing action within the charge container, thus producing a possibility of bringing the solutions together within the container-where a single container carries both solutions. lVhile this latter might be overcome by using entirely separate containers, thequestion' of space and the piping connections become factors to be considered, it .ing advisable, for these reasons, to carry both solutions within a single outer container. In addition to the splashing action, there is always present the possibility of a list of the vessel to such an extent as would actually cause the compartments of the container to overflow to an extent as to provide interchange of solution contents between compartments, thereby producing this com mixing action within the container itself. Since it is essential that the solutions be kept separate until required for use in foam production, such splashing or overflowing action must practically be prevented.

In addition, for reasons above pointed out in connection with the limited length of life of the foam formation, it. is desirable that this foam production be prevented from taking place within the container, thus eliminating the attempt to carry the foam through long lengths of hose-lengths which may range up to 75 feet--with itsconsequent liability of damaging the foam bubbles while traveling through this length of connection. a

The present invention is designed to meet these various problems and provide a simple and eilicient apparatus of suilicient size to protect the desired area. and at the same time prevent premature commixing of the solutions regardless of the action of the vessel itself.

To these and other ends. therefore, the nature of which will be readily understood as the invention is hereinafterfldisclosed, said invention consists in the improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanyin drawings, and more particularly pointe out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of the views:

Figure 1 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the hull of a vessel, an apparatus according to the present invention being shown in position relative thereto, the apparatus being shown in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus and the means for supporting it in position.

Fi 3 is a view partly in elevation and.

part y in section of the apparatus.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the upper end of the apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the hose connections for delivering the solutions to the point of ap lication.

Before descri ing the structure of the a paratus in detaihit should be noted that t e solutions are normally retained within their respective compartments fr from pressure, the pressure for delivering the splutions from the compartments being provided by the introduction of steam or other equivalent pressure-applying agent, such as compressed air, for instance, at the desired pressure into the compartments, the steam acting to drive the solutions out of compartments into the hose lines and into a mixing head or tube which practically forms the rear end of a deliverin nozzle, the solutions being brought toge r in this tube where at least a partial commixing 15 had, the foam being immediately discharged to the point of application.

A container for this general service should practically have a large capacityapproximately forty (40) gallons of solutions, for instance-thus providing a comparatively large container structure, so that the latter must-not only be supported at a suitable point, but be supported in such manner as to maintain'the container and its connections in position regardless of the pitching or tossing of the vessel.

In Fig. 1 I have shown, more or less d1a grammatically, a portion of the hull H of a vessel, the latter carrying brackets h on which the container is seated, the container-indicated generally at Cbeing held in position by straps a secured to the ribs of the vessel. The container C consists of an outer shell and an inner cylindrical member arranged axially of the shell, thus producing an inner compartment and an annular compartment, the inner compartment being adapted to receive the acid solution. Owing to the. fact that the container must operate to prevent possible commixture by splashing or overflowing action, the structure of the container is varied considerably from the ordinary apparatus of this type, as is more clearly indicated in Fi 3 and 4:.

. eferring first to Fig. 4, 10 desi ates a head or cap which is fixed] seem to the upper end of an outer she] 11, the latter, initially, being an o n-ended cylinder. Cap 10 is provided with two annular depending members 12 and 13 which are arranged concentrically and spaced apart a distance practically corresponding to the thickness of the wall of the inner cylinder 14, members 12 and 13 de ending from the under face of the cap, t e axes of these members being substantially concident with the axis of the ca The bottom 0 the container is in the form of a depressed head 15, preferably concave in cross-section and having a flange by means of which the bottom may be riveted or otherwise secured to the lower ,end of shell 11. Mounted on bottom 15 is'a sheet lead lining 16, the latter being of an area slightly greater than the cross-sectional area 0 lower end 14 of the latter will rest upon this sheet lead lining, the bottom, lining and flanged portion 14" being secured together as a unit by suitable means as by rivets which extend through these parts. The upper end of cylinder 14 is fitted tightly within the space between members 12 and 13.

In assembling the structure, the shell and head orcap are secured together with the lower end of the shell open. The bottom, lead lining and the inner cylinder are also secured together as a unit, after which the inner cylinder is inserted with its upper eh'd extending into the space between members 12 and 13, moving into said space a distance sufficient to bring flanged portion 15 of the bottom into proper relation to the outer shell, after which the shell and bottom are secured together, it being understood, of course, that the bottom is arranged to be leak -proof as is the connection between th nner cylinder and the bottom. Obviously, button 15 forms the bottom. for both compartments although the exposed face of the 'bottom of the inner compartment is provided by the sheet lead lining to withstand the efiects of the acid content of the inner compartment. Similarly, the inner face of the inner cylinder may be peroperly treated to withstand this acid con- While the upper end of the inner cylinder is not riveted or otherwise fixed in position it is held from movement by reason of i being extended into the annular space between members 12 and 13, and since the arrangement provides for a telescoping effect of considerable length and the fit is a comparatively tight fit, it will be readily undercylinder 14, so that the flanged,

stood that leakage from one compartment to the other is practically prevented by reason of the character of the joint produced at the upper end of the cylinder.

Depending from suitable supports carried externally of cap 10, are pipes 17 and 18, these pipes extending to points adjacent bottom 15, pipe 17 extending into the inner compartment and pipe 18 into the outer com partment. These pipes project above the cap and are each provided with a- T 17" and 18' respectively, each carrying a laterally projecting pipe 19 having nipples 20. The third opening of each T is closed by a plug, the plugs being indicated at 17" and 18*, these plugs normally closing the T o enings which form the filling openings for t e compartments. For instance, if plug 17* be removed, it exposes pipe 17 and permits the introduction of the solution for the inner compartment through this opening, a funnel being preferably used in connection with the filling operation. After the compartment has been filled, the lug is returned to position, thus closing t is opening. If desired, pipes 19 may be rigidly held by means of a strap 21 (Fig. 2) and this strap may carry an instruction plate 21 indicated in Fig. 3.

As heretofore pointed out the solutions are dischar ed by steam pressure or its equivalent, t iis result bein r obtained by connecting up a steam suppi y line-ind1cated by pipe 22ewith the upper ends of each of the compartments, this connection being provided b two lateral pipes 23 extending from the inc, and being carried downwardly through supports 21, carried by the cap, into the inner and outer compartments. Line 22 carries a valve 25 for controlling the entrance of steam, and if desired, this valve may carry an instruction plate 25". Between valve 25 and lateral pipes 23, I preferably interpose a T 26 from which extends laterally a pipe 27 carrying'a pressurerelief device 28 and a valve 29.

Valve 29 is normally maintained closed, being opened during the period of filling the compartments, this valve permitting the escape of the air within the compartments during the entrance of the solutions, after which the valve is closed and remains closed during the period of use, being opened when it is desired to clean out the apparatus or to fill it.

As will be understood, valve 25 is normally closed, thus maintaining the compartments free from pressure and hence retaining the solutions therein out of pipes 19. When it is desired to put the apparatus into service, valve 25 is opened, thus admitting steam to. the upper end of both compartments and placing the contents of the compartments under pressure, bringing about a condition which forces the contents of the several compartments into the respective pipe connections leading to nipples 20. Since it is desirable thatthe pressure within the compartments be substantially uniform during the discharge operation. device 28 is employed which acts as a regulating device for this purpose.

To provide for the delivery of the extinguishing medium at the desired point, I preferably employ a flexible connection of the type indicated in Fig. 5, this structure being more specifically described and claimed in my companion application filed Jul' 25, 1917, Ser. No. 182,754,,the structure eing in the form of two hose sections 30 of suitable length25 to feet, for instaucc these sections each carrying a member adapted to be removably connected to nipples 20, and having their forward and connected to a Y or Siamese 31 which in turn is connected to a tube 32 of suitable length-- preferably about five feet in length-the opposite end of this tube carrying a nozzle 33. If desired the two tubes 30 may be bound together intermediate their points of connection in order to facilitate handling.

As will be understood, with the hose sections 30 attached to the respective nipples 20, the introduction of the steam pressure into the compartments will cause the solution contents of each to be discharged through the respective hose sections and be brought together within the Siamese or Y connection 31 and immediately introduced into flexible tube 32, passing through the latter into a nozzle and being discharged from the latter. Therefore, the length of time the solutions remain in intimate contact and within a confined space, is that required to traverse the distance between the Siamese or Y connection and the nozzle outlet, a distance of a few feet, thus providing for a relatively short length of the time of contact or period of commixing, but a sufficient length of time to develop a considerable amount of foam, so that the discharging stream will be of a considerable amount of foam, such ortions of the solutions as have not reached the foam develo ment stage passing out of the nozzle an ccntinuiug more or less in contact to the point of appli cation, thus permitting foam development while traveling through the air as well as permitting the development to take place after the point of application has been reached.

Tube 32 is preferably flexible in order that it can be readily handled, for reasons pointed out in the companion application.

34 indicates a drain device leading from the lower end of the outer compartment. this device includin a valve 34 to control the drain outlet. he inner compartment is also provided with a. drain device 35 extending from bottom 15, said drain having a interior, it being readily valve 35 for controllin it. The drain devices are normally closed, being used mainly for the purpose of cleaning or washing the understood after the apparatus has been used and the solution contents discharged, it is not only essential to recharge the apparatus, but it is desirable that the com artments be more or less cleaned out. his action can be readily rovided by simply opening the plugs w ich close the filling openings and 11 the compartments with water or washing solution, valve 29 being opened, after which the drain devices are opened topermit the washing solution to discharge, valve 29 remaini open. In case the apparatus is not requir to be used for considerable periods, it may be found advisable to recharge the compartments to substitute a fresh charge for a deteriorated charge; in such case the drain can be employed for the pu se of discharging the solution contents. d since these devices discharge at difl'erent points, it will lie-understood that each solution can be discha ed separately and discarded,thus avoiding iabiiity of bringing the solutions into commixing relation when being discharged in this manner.

As will be understood, any suitable pressure-producing medium may be employed, steam being more or less illustrative, although robably forming the most convenient me( ium serviceable on ship board, and it is to be understood that such other mediums are considered as the equivalent of steam. v.

While I have herein shown and described a preferred way in which the invention may be carried into effect, it will be readily understood that changes and modifications therein may be found desirable or essential in meetin the exigencies of use, and I desire to be un erstood as reserving the right to make any and all slich chan es or modifications as may be found desir 1e or necessary, in so far as the same may fall within the spiritand scope of the invention as exressed in the accompanying claims when roadly construed.

What I claim is:

1 In fire extinguishing apparatus for use on ard ships and wherein the component solution char are normally maintained separate within the apparatus, a fixedly positioned container structure for storing the solution contents, said structure comprising inner and outer members relatively arranged to provide an inner compartment and an outer compartment to receive difl'erent solution contents, and means for isolating said compartments from each other, said means including a flange structure supported by the outer member and having a configuration coiiperating with the inner member to permanently isolate the compartments and pre- 4 vent transference of solution contents from one compartment to the other.

2. In fire-extinguishing apparatus of the foam-extinguishing type and adapted for use on board ship, and wherein the component solution charges are maintained separate and normally free from pressure, within the apparatus, and delivered under pressure from the apparatus in the form of individual streams to a mixing tube adjacent the point of discharge of the commixed foam formation, a container structure for storing the solution contents, said structure com rising inner and outer cylindrical mem rs arranged concentrically to form a central compartment and an annular compartment to receive different solution contents, a bottom secured to the outer cylinder and to which the inner cylinder is secured to provide a permanent bottom both compartments, and a cap secured to the upper end of the outer cylinder and carrying depending means for receiving the upper end of the inner cylinder to isolate the compartments from each other and prevent solution transference from one compartment to the other.

3. In fire-extinguishing apparatus of the foam-extinguishing type and adapted for use on board ship, and wherein the component solution charges are maintained separate and normally free from pressure within the apparatus, and delivered under pres sure from the apparatus in the form of individual streams to a mixing tube adjacent the oint of discharge of the commixed foam ormation, a container structure for storing. the solution contents, said structure comprising,inner and outer cylindrical members arranged concentrically to form a central compartment and an annular compartment to receive different solution contents, a bottom secured to the outer cylinder and to which the inner cylinder is secured to provide a permanent bottom for both compartments, and a cap secured to the upper end of the outer cylinder, said cap car ing two concentrically irrangcd depen ing members spaced apart a distance substantially equal in the thickness of the walls of the inner cy inder, the inner cylinder having a length suilicient to cause its upper end to extend into and fit within the said annular space between the members, whereby the joint formed b said members and the inner cylinder wil prevent interchange of solution contents from one compartment to the other.

4. In fire-extinguishing ap aratus of the foam-extinguishing type an adapted for use on board ship, and wherein the component solution charges are maintained separate and normally free from pressure within the apparatus, and delivered under pressure from the apparatus in the form of individual streams to a mixing tube adjacent 1,319,101 i 7 V r V V the point of discharge of the commixed foam formation, a container structure for storing the solution contents, said structure comprising inner and outer cylindrical members arranged concentrically to form a central compartment and an annular compartment to receive different solution contents, a bottom secured to the outer cylinder and to which the inner c linder is' secured to provide a permanent ttom for both compartments, and a cap secured to the upper end of the outer cyllnder and carrying depending means for receiving the upper end of the inner cylinder to isolate the compartments from each other and to prevent solution transference from one compartment to the other, said cap ca ing independent outlets from the sevei lil compartments.

'5. In fire-extinguishing ap aratus of the foam-extinguishing type and adapted for use on board ship, and wherein the component solution charges are maintained separate and normally free from pressure within the apparatus, and delivered under pres- "sure from the apparatus in the form of individual streams to a mixing tube adjacent the point of discharge of the commixed foam formation, a container structure for storing the solution contents, said structure comprisin'g inner and outer cylindrical members arranged concentrically to form a central compartment and an annular compartment to receive diflerent solution contents, a bottom secured to the outer cylinder and to which the inner cylinder is secured to provide a permanent bottom for both compartments, and a cap secured to the upper end of the outer cylinder and carrying de ending means for receiving the up er end 0 the inner cylinder to isolate t e compartments from each other and prevent solution transmeans for intro ference from one compartment to the other, said cap carrying independent outlets from the several compartments and also carrying using delivery pressure into the compartments concurrently.

6. In fire-extinguishing apparatus of the foam-extinguishing type and adapted for use on board ship, and wherein the component solution charges are maintained separate and normally from within the apparatus, and delivers under pressure from the apparatus in the form of individual streams to a mixing tube adiacent the point of discharge of the commixed foam formation, a container structure for storing the solution contents, said structure com rising inner and outer cylindrical mem ers' arranged concentrically to form a central compartment and an annular compartment to receive difi'erent solution contents, a bottom secured to the outer cylinder and to which the inner 0%linder is secured to provide a permanent ottom for both compartments, and a cap secured to the up or end of the outer-cylinder and carrying depending means for receiving the .u per end of the inner cylinder to isolate t e compartments from each other and prevent solution transference from one compartment to the other, said cap carrying independent outlets from the several compartments and also carrying means for introducing delivery pressure into the compartments concurset my hand.

CHARLES H. MEIGS.

rently, said means inclu Hing 

